Athens Reporter

As of July 1, 2024, the Athens-Clarke County stormwater utility fee for properties will increase for the first time since its implementation in 2005. This adjustment aims to provide more sustainable, long-term funding for stormwater infrastructure. The stormwater utility fee is designated exclusively for stormwater programs, which include repairing and replacing old or failed culverts on Olympic Drive, Barber Street, and Athena Drive.

A Stormwater Advisory Committee consisting of residents, business owners, and water professionals appointed by Mayor Kelly Girtz began discussing program changes in July 2021. At their final meeting on August 15, 2023, the committee voted to recommend a financial option that included sustainable funding for stormwater infrastructure. The Mayor and Commission accepted this recommendation at their January 2, 2024 voting meeting. Bills reflecting the new rates will be mailed out beginning in July.

The new utility fee rates will increase the average residential stormwater utility bill by $14 annually, from an average of $42 to $56. Individual bills will vary based on the amount of impervious surfaces—such as rooftops and driveways—on a property. These surfaces prevent rainfall from soaking into the ground and generate runoff that must be managed by the public stormwater system.

The Stormwater Advisory Committee also recommended a new program allowing single-family residential property owners with erosion problems to request rock “riprap” delivery to prevent further erosion. Additionally, residents can now request cleaning of stormwater pipes located under driveways within Athens-Clarke County right-of-way.

Residents can continue to submit locations of public street storm drains and roadside ditches needing cleaning and request advice regarding drainage issues in their yards through the Stormwater Management Program.

Any changes in stormwater bills seen prior to the rate increases in July 2024 reflect updated data regarding impervious surfaces on properties.

Before 2005, Athens-Clarke County’s stormwater programs were funded through property taxes. These taxes were reduced when the new fee was created. A utility fee is considered more equitable than property tax because it includes contributions from tax-exempt properties such as churches, non-profit organizations, and the University of Georgia.

Residents have shown strong support for a funding system that charges both taxable and tax-exempt developed properties. Unlike property taxes, revenue from this fee can only be spent on stormwater programs and infrastructure.

This includes implementing a comprehensive stormwater program compliant with the federal Clean Water Act, ongoing maintenance of Athens-Clarke County’s stormwater system, and infrastructure inspections. Recent investments have focused on replacing rusted corrugated metal pipes—some costing over $1 million—that have collapsed under roads.

The Stormwater Management Program is part of the Athens-Clarke County Transportation and Public Works Department. For billing questions, contact 706-613-3989 or email stormwater@accgov.com. Additional information about Athens-Clarke County’s Stormwater Management Program is available at www.accgov.com/stormwater.